Brown gets backing from boss
CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers has jumped to the defence of club captain Scott Brown.
The Scotland man was the subject of fierce criticism after his side’s defeat by Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar.
Brown was back in the Hoops’ midfield for yesterday’s friendly against Wolfsburg and was praised to the skies by his manager after the 2-1 win.
It’s clear that Brown will be given the chance to turn things round against the team from Gibraltar in Wednesday’s second leg of the Champions League qualifier.
Rodgers said: “I thought Scott Brown was outstanding.
“I have been super impressed by him. I have seen him over the years as a running midfielder, but his intelligence, his aggression and the way he really manages the team on the field has been very impressive.”
Rodgers defended his claim that losing to the part-timers from Gibraltar was not embarrassing.
He went on: I was not being arrogant or anything after the first game.
“For me, the objective over the course of this tie was to get through.
“Of course, it was a disappointing result.
“But the objective for me has always been to come through Wednesday night into the next round.
“The players are still in their preparation phase and are having to play some of the biggest games of the season.
“I respect how hard they are working and how focused they are.
“We had a double training session on Friday.
“We worked them really hard, so to then go out and put so much physicality in the game against Wolfsburg was really good.”
Rodgers reported that midfielder Stefan Johansen has had an injection to calm inflammation in his ankle and has an outside chance of being available in midweek.
Nir Bitton is suffering considerable pain because of a hip problem and is doubtful.
Kris Commons is still some way short of fitness.